Multiple UFC fighters offered technical breakdowns of Carlos Prates' knee striking performance. Cory Sandhagen highlighted Prates' unique knee technique that uses spring-loaded power rather than stepping, noting how he seamlessly transitions these knees into high kicks that wrap around the head. Jorge Masvidal praised Prates' ability to cover distance with his knees and how the threat alone shut down DDM's inside game, comparing the performance to Mortal Kombat and noting Prates' length advantage. Dustin Poirier and Dean Thomas commented on how Prates mixed knees with hand strikes to open up DDM's guard and prevent him from closing distance. The fighters emphasized that Prates' confidence in his takedown defense allows him to throw knees more aggressively.
